MERIDIAN - The Idaho State Police will mark its 75th anniversary on Thursday during a celebration under the rotunda in Idaho's Capitol. The public is invited to celebrate throughout the day and enjoy displays of Idaho State Police memorabilia, historical photographs, vintage uniforms and patrol cars.

The highlight of the public celebration will begin at noon with the posting of the colors by the Idaho State Police Honor Guard, remarks by Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter and presentations by Idaho State Police Colonel Ralph W. Powell. Presentations will include the unveiling of the winning design of the ISP 75th Anniversary High School Design Challenge submitted by Hannah Schlangen of Kuna High School.

"What started as a cavalry of men banded together to maintain peace in the mining and logging industries has evolved into a multifaceted, professional law enforcement agency responsible for not only general police investigative services and traffic patrol, but also, statewide criminal justice records management and forensic science services," stated Col. Ralph W. Powell, Director of the Idaho State Police. "As we mark our 75th anniversary, it is a time for us to reflect on our rich history and traditions and remember the dedication and sacrifice of those who served before us."

Although the beginnings of ISP's responsibilities in protecting the public began in 1919 under the Bureau of Constabulary and the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement, ISP celebrates its anniversaries based upon the Legislature's passage of the Idaho State Police Act. This Act reorganized the Bureau of Constabulary as the Idaho State Police and was signed into law on February 20, 1939 by Governor C.A. Bottolfsen. In 2000, the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement and the Idaho State Police were combined to better serve the citizens of Idaho.

Today, ISP is a modern-day, full-service law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction consisting of 535 commissioned and civilian members. ISP is headquartered in Meridian and has six district offices throughout the state with patrol and investigations operations in each district. ISP's other programs include Forensic Services, Alcohol Beverage Control, Commercial Vehicle Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Identification, Criminal Justice Information Systems, the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center, and two Regional Communications Centers. Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training, Idaho Brand Inspection and the Idaho Racing Commission are also under the umbrella of the Idaho State Police.

The Idaho State Police Association has commissioned several 75th anniversary items that are available for sale on their website. Those items include the book Without Compromise, a historical perspective published in honor of ISP's anniversary by author Kelly Kast. Proceeds benefit the Idaho State Police Association, a non-profit organization comprised of current and retired ISP employees. The website address is www.ispaonline.org.